President Akufo-Addo has taken swift action by ordering the abrupt suspension of a crucial contract between the Ministry of Finance and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
The suspended contract pertains to the vital task of revenue assurance services in both the downstream and upstream petroleum sectors, as well as the mining sector. The unexpected development marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach, raising questions and sparking intrigue about the motivations behind this abrupt decision.
Additionally, the President, in a bold step towards transparency and accountability, has mandated the renowned audit firm, KPMG, to conduct a thorough investigation into the services provided by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The president’s directive includes a stringent timeline, with KPMG expected to submit its comprehensive report within a tight two-week period. This unexpected move signals a commitment to scrutinize and evaluate the intricacies of the contracted services, adding a layer of urgency to the unfolding narrative surrounding the suspension of the GRA-SML contract.
According to a statement signed by the communication’s director at the presidency, Eugene Arhin, President Akufo-Addo “also directed the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority to suspend the performance contract pending the submission of the audit report, including any payments presently envisaged under its terms.”
KPMG has also been directed to “assess the appropriateness of the contract methodology, verifying compliance with legal standards and industry practices in the procurement process for the selection of SML.”
The president also tasked KPMG to, among others “evaluate the value benefit that SML has so far offered to the GRA through this engagement.”